Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Similan Islands, Thailand
Similan Islands, Thailand - great place to for relaxing, snorkeling and diving. Medsye Travel & Tours (formerly spelled Metsine) provides 1 day trip and overnight trips to Similan Islands and Surin Islands Other services include hotel and package tour reservation around Khao Lak, Pang-nga, Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi and many more.
Monday, November 19, 2007
LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & Illuminated Boats Procession
Loi Krathong Highlights and Event venues
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways.
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
During the early Rattanakosin period, the royal rituals of Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam, performed during the twelfth lunar month were based on Brahmin beliefs. These were the court versions of Loi Krathong performed as an act of worship in which the Devaraja or ‘God Kings’ made offerings of light to the Brahmin deities. Lit lanterns were hoisted on to poles for two weeks during the twelfth lunar month and then floated on the waterways as ritual offerings. From its Brahmin roots, the practice has evolved over time and has come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha.
The Origins of Loi Krathong
There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbollically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings. For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.
HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENT VENUES
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
Splendour on the River
November 21 – 24, 2007, 18.30 – 21.30 hrs
The plaza in front of the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall offers the best vantage point to view the Illuminated Boat Procession, celebrating the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s the King 80th birthday
Tickets: 999 baht per person
For enquiries and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext. 2115-9
Illuminated Boats Procession
November 21 – 24, 2007
Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River (Taksin Bridge – Krungthon Bridge)
“Loi Prateep” Illuminated Boats Procession
The "Loi Prateep" royal ritual was performed in the royal court on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The ritual begins with the king making offerings of rice, followed by Buddhist sermons being held in the Grand Palace.
The king then placed floral offerings at the "ubosoth" (chapel) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, and the "Ho Phra" scripture hall of the Grand Palace, before setting off to Ratchaworadit Pier to float the giant krathongs.
The other notable aspect of Loi Prateep is its water-borne procession consisting of an impressive fleet of no less than five hundred illuminated vessels, each with two lit candles and an incense stick, being carried down-stream.
Two royal ceremonial barges serve as the State barges, the third carries a sacred Buddha image and the fourth carries other sacred and floral offerings. Other vessels consisted of escort boats, floating Thai orchestra, police boats, firework boats, and others. Traditional giant krathongs of various shapes were crafted from cylindrical drums or rafts of 4 to 4.5 metres wide and 5 to 5.5 metres high and embellished with ornaments made from a variety of materials found in the immediate vicinity of the residential area.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
November 22 – 24, 2007
At the Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai province
Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns
November 23 – 27, 2007
At the Rattanakosin Bridge (Sapan Sompot Krung Rattanakosin 200-Year Bridge), Tak province
Yi-Peng Festival, Chiang Mai province
November 23 – 25, 2007
At the following sites – Tha Pae Gate, along the banks of the Ping River, in front of the Chiang Mai Municipal Office
Loi Krathong Festival in the Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya
November 24, 2007
In the four corners of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya – under the Pridi-Damrong Bridge, Pompetch Fortress, in front of Chandrakasem National Museum, and in front of Sisuriyothai Chedi.
Loi Krathong Tam Prathip
November 23 – 24, 2007
Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya province
Tel: (0) 3536 6091
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways.
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
During the early Rattanakosin period, the royal rituals of Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam, performed during the twelfth lunar month were based on Brahmin beliefs. These were the court versions of Loi Krathong performed as an act of worship in which the Devaraja or ‘God Kings’ made offerings of light to the Brahmin deities. Lit lanterns were hoisted on to poles for two weeks during the twelfth lunar month and then floated on the waterways as ritual offerings. From its Brahmin roots, the practice has evolved over time and has come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha.
The Origins of Loi Krathong
There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbollically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings. For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.
HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENT VENUES
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
Splendour on the River
November 21 – 24, 2007, 18.30 – 21.30 hrs
The plaza in front of the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall offers the best vantage point to view the Illuminated Boat Procession, celebrating the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s the King 80th birthday
Tickets: 999 baht per person
For enquiries and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext. 2115-9
Illuminated Boats Procession
November 21 – 24, 2007
Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River (Taksin Bridge – Krungthon Bridge)
“Loi Prateep” Illuminated Boats Procession
The "Loi Prateep" royal ritual was performed in the royal court on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The ritual begins with the king making offerings of rice, followed by Buddhist sermons being held in the Grand Palace.
The king then placed floral offerings at the "ubosoth" (chapel) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, and the "Ho Phra" scripture hall of the Grand Palace, before setting off to Ratchaworadit Pier to float the giant krathongs.
The other notable aspect of Loi Prateep is its water-borne procession consisting of an impressive fleet of no less than five hundred illuminated vessels, each with two lit candles and an incense stick, being carried down-stream.
Two royal ceremonial barges serve as the State barges, the third carries a sacred Buddha image and the fourth carries other sacred and floral offerings. Other vessels consisted of escort boats, floating Thai orchestra, police boats, firework boats, and others. Traditional giant krathongs of various shapes were crafted from cylindrical drums or rafts of 4 to 4.5 metres wide and 5 to 5.5 metres high and embellished with ornaments made from a variety of materials found in the immediate vicinity of the residential area.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
November 22 – 24, 2007
At the Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai province
Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns
November 23 – 27, 2007
At the Rattanakosin Bridge (Sapan Sompot Krung Rattanakosin 200-Year Bridge), Tak province
Yi-Peng Festival, Chiang Mai province
November 23 – 25, 2007
At the following sites – Tha Pae Gate, along the banks of the Ping River, in front of the Chiang Mai Municipal Office
Loi Krathong Festival in the Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya
November 24, 2007
In the four corners of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya – under the Pridi-Damrong Bridge, Pompetch Fortress, in front of Chandrakasem National Museum, and in front of Sisuriyothai Chedi.
Loi Krathong Tam Prathip
November 23 – 24, 2007
Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya province
Tel: (0) 3536 6091
Surin Elephant Round Up: Update 07/11/2007
Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960, the Surin Elephant
Round Up is a popular festival with international visitors. More than 300
elephants take part in the program, which includes a parade and welcoming
ceremony, a re-enactment of the "Capture of Wild Elephants," and an elephant
banquet, as well as regional cultural presentations and folk performances
highlighting the traditions of Surin.
The Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who,
for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout
Thailand. The majority of elephant owners and mahouts in Thailand today are
descendants of this "Kui" tribe (or "Suay" in Thai). In Thailand, elephants are
treated as part of the 'family' and the everyday life of the Thai elephant and
its keeper is the central theme of this world-famous festival.
More Information:
http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2007/nov/3205.asp
Round Up is a popular festival with international visitors. More than 300
elephants take part in the program, which includes a parade and welcoming
ceremony, a re-enactment of the "Capture of Wild Elephants," and an elephant
banquet, as well as regional cultural presentations and folk performances
highlighting the traditions of Surin.
The Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who,
for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout
Thailand. The majority of elephant owners and mahouts in Thailand today are
descendants of this "Kui" tribe (or "Suay" in Thai). In Thailand, elephants are
treated as part of the 'family' and the everyday life of the Thai elephant and
its keeper is the central theme of this world-famous festival.
More Information:
http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2007/nov/3205.asp
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